Sandwell Bitcoin mine found stealing electricity

A suspected Bitcoin "mining" operation illegally stealing electricity has been found by police who were searching for a cannabis farm.

Officers had been tipped off about the site on the Great Bridge Industrial Estate, Sandwell, and raided it on 18 May, West Midlands Police said.

Instead of cannabis plants they found a bank of about 100 computer units.

The force said the cryptocurrency "mine" had effectively stolen thousands of pounds of electricity.

Inquiries with network operator Western Power Distribution found an illegal connection to the electricity supply.